2023 Rankings Risers: DL

<strong><em>With the release of the updated 2023 PRZ state rankings, here’s an in-depth analysis of the DL prospects that are rising up the board.</em></strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="333662" first="Jacob" last="Lane"], DL, Emerald Ridge</strong> The 6’5” 230 lb. Edge rusher has seen his recruiting stock skyrocket this offseason pulling in seven offers since his initial offer from Air Force in March. He possesses a well-balanced and athletic frame with great growth potential for the D1 level as he continues to develop. He’s an attacking defender that uses his speed and bend to beat blockers off the edge and disrupt plays in the backfield. Quick and explosive off the LOS firing off with great leverage and a flat back to get a push and gain penetration before the play develops. Does a good job maintaining his pad level so that he can redirect and chase laterally to be a sideline to sideline defender. Flashes a great ability to use his strength and speed to shed blockers and then quickly locate the ball carrier. Currently holds offers from Air Force, Army, Columbia, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado State, and Montana State but expect more Power 5 programs on the way with his combination of size, speed, and athleticism. https://twitter.com/JacobLane12_/status/1460315197483065344?s=20&amp;t=ipKkQIwejcWMhFL5paB2KA <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87457" first="Julian" last="Lee"], DL, North Thurston</strong> Lee is a violent and physical force coming off the edge in the North Thurston defense. At 6’5” 260 lbs. he possesses ideal size, length, and frame that could transition well to multiple positions at the D1 level. Deceptively athletic for his size he shows excellent natural movement skills, bend, and short area speed in pursuit. He’s quick out of his stance and can beat blockers with his speed/quickness or use his strength and hands to fight off contact and free himself up to make a tackle. Good reactionary quickness and feel for the game, he recognizes run/pass and puts himself in position to be a difference maker and create turnovers. Recently pulled in his first Power 5 offer from Arizona after picking up three FCS offers from Portland State, Eastern Washington, and Idaho but still has a lot of untapped raw potential that in combination with his size, length, and athleticism will result in many more Power 5 programs offering. https://twitter.com/Julianxlee/status/1458925107888357376?s=20&amp;t=rDWfXM6OpLT82hyUxsnCkA <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="333673" first="Kateo" last="Faaiu"], DL, North Creek</strong> Faaiu is a pure attacking defensive football player. At 6’3” 225 lbs., he’s a tough block for anyone coming off the edge with speed and power. Possesses a strong lower half that allows him to generate explosion and use his initial quickness to gain positional leverage right out of his stance. He’s a plus athlete with good body control and coordination to execute different moves to beat his block including rips, spins, dips, and long arm techniques. Does a great job setting the edge and flipping his hips to collapse the pocket and close on the QB as a pass rusher. He’s a high motor defender that shows good short area quickness and lateral agility to chase sideline to sideline. Demonstrates good strength and power at the POA and flashes effective hand usage and placement to disengage from blockers. As a junior he racked up 7.5 sacks, 13.5 TFL’s, and over 40 total tackles. Picked up his first offer from Nevada mid 2021 season but is one of the more underrecruited 2023 defensive prospects. https://twitter.com/FaaiuKateo/status/1461131353974472704?s=20&amp;t=5GY1L1-A5sbZcKbnFjNiUQ <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="156147" first="Wyatt" last="Tilton"], DL, Arlington</strong> Tilton is a promising interior DL prospect at 6’1” 275 lbs. that shows the ability to be a two gap defender. Flashes great all-around strength and power in both his hands and lower half to gain initial penetration or stack/neutralize blockers. Can also anchor down to fill a gap and be a space eater in the middle. Functional athleticism for his size, he shows good mobility and short area burst to redirect and pursue in the box. High motor fighter that can disengage and chases hard in pursuit. Quick and active hands to maintain separation from blockers and shed to make a tackle on a ball carrier. Displays good balance, body control, and leverage through contact. Still waiting for that first offer to come his way but has good upside/potential and has continuously proven he can compete with some of the top offensive lineman in the state. https://twitter.com/tilton_wyatt/status/1462895575246917633?s=20&amp;t=CIZdMhPGOXTsKjp-QBv-jA